Planning permission for performance spaces at Woolwich
Royal Arsenal Riverside pier with Thames Clipper at night - proposed theatre venue to right of picture
Greenwich Council's ambitious plans to create a landmark destination for the arts in Woolwich's Royal Arsenal has come a step closer with planning permission now granted for the first phase of multi-million pound restoration of historic military buildings.
It will create a 15,000 square metre heritage complex of theatres, dance studios and restaurants, all set between the Thames and the soon to be opened new Crossrail station.
Three of the Grade 11 Listed amunitions factories are to be converted and the redevelopment of the historic site is set to create 400 jobs with visitors pouring into the area.
Natural light and excellent acoustics are benefits of the historic industrial buildings which will lend themselves to performance spaces. The final scheme will include a 450 seat theatre, 600 seat performance courtyard as well as rehearsal studios, offices, restaurants and space for community hire.
A number of international arts and performance companies are looking to make the Woolwich Creative District their new home and discussions are underway for an exciting place-making show to launch the site in 2019.
Future Cities Forum is lucky to be invited in first by Brocket Gallery in South London to run filmed discussions at the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair this November at the heart of the historic buildings.